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Species Detail
Mead's Sulphur
Colias meadii W.H. Edwards, 1871
Attributes of Colias meadiiFamily: Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae) Subfamily: Sulphurs (Coliadinae) Identification: Upperside of male deep reddish orange with wide, dull black border; female lighter orange, border containing orange spots. Underside of both sexes greenish-yellow, with hindwing white spot circled in red. Life history: Males patrol open tundra for females. Females lay eggs singly on host plant leaves, which are then eaten by the caterpillars. Third-stage caterpillars overwinter. Flight: One flight from July-August. Wing span: 1 1/2 - 2 inches (3.8 - 5.1 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Plants in the pea family (Fabaceae) including clover (Trifolium) and Astragalus species. Adult food: Flower nectar including alpine sunflower and asters. Habitat: At or near treeline in high mountains, tundra, subalpine meadows. Range: Restricted to the Rocky Mountains from Alberta south to Colorado. Conservation: Not usually required. NatureServe Global Status: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: Not reported. | Documented Records for Colias meadii
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